We Are What We Eat: Foods for Total Wellness

How many times have you heard the quote "We are what we eat"?

Is this expression is true?

Absolutely the answer is YES. The phrase implying that what people eat could eventually affect their lives. If you eat healthy food, you feel healthy. On the other hand, if you eat unhealthy, such as junk foods, processed foods and soda, you will not feel healthy.

Did you know that processed foods make up 70% of the standard American diet? When you understand that you are what you eat, this is a scary statistic.

The foundation of the structure and function of our cells is depending on the nutrients from what we eat. Trillions of cells composing the human body. From the skin, to the muscles, bones, digestive and immune system.

Nutrients from the food are like a fuel in our body. Food we eat influences physically, mentally, and even emotional well-being. 

The food we eat is a key part of disease prevention and overall health.

So, which foods should you include in your diet?

In this article, we’ll talk about why we are what we eat and what foods you need to eat for optimal health.

Why We Are What We Eat

Particularly, In our bodies, food makes its way from our mouth to our digestive system.

Here, food is broken down from whole food into tiny little nutrients. These can be amino acids from protein, fatty acids from fats, fiber or glucose from carbs, or vitamins and minerals.

Moreover, these are absorbed through the lining of the gut into the bloodstream. Then, the broken-down nutrients are transported to every single cell of our body. There, they promote cell function or literally become part of cell structure.

If we look at food in this sense, our diet makes up our cells. So, we truly are the food we eat.

Must-Have Foods for Total Wellness

So, it makes sense to include the best foods in your diet. And in that way, you’re giving your cells absolutely everything you need for total wellness.

Antioxidants

Certainly, antioxidants are amazing little compounds. They scavenge free radicals. In fact, free radicals are harmful compounds that can damage cell structures. So, if these accumulate over time, cells can malfunction or even die off.

Over time, this can cause serious issues too.

This means that including high levels of antioxidants in your diet is a must.

Here are a few antioxidant-rich foods you can include today:

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Green Tea
• Coffee
• Dark Chocolate

Probiotics

Probiotics are the friendly bacteria in your gut. Not only that, they create vitamins and release beneficial nutrients into the rest of your body.

But, the bad bacteria do the same thing. Except, they release harmful by products called lipopolysaccharides (LPS). These can cause inflammation (which is a no-no).

Therefore, to promote the healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, it’s important to eat probiotic-rich foods.

For example:

• Kefir
• Yogurt
• Kombucha
• Pickles
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Researchers have called inflammation “the root of all disease”.

Immune system inflammation helps fight off foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. But constant inflammation can contribute to the levels of free radicals in the body. So, it’s absolutely essential for health that we keep inflammation at a healthy level.

Also, Anti-inflammatory foods can reduce inflammation in the body to promote health.

Here are a few:

• Salmon
• Tuna
• Soluble fiber
• Probiotics

We Are What We Eat Is a Message

The problem is eating unhealthy foods becomes a habit. Because unhealthy foods are easy to make, easy to find, and cheap. 

This phrase is sending a message to remind us that we need to pay attention to what we eat. Every food you take becomes the part of every inch in your body. So eating real food and balanced food choices are important.

Everyone needs this message to keep our bodies well and healthy. 

For Optimal Health, a Healthy Diet is Key

To achieve optimal health, eat the healthiest food you can find! 

We are what we eat, remind us to eat a healthy diet. This will prevent disease, boost energy levels, and promote overall health.

Some of the most important are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory foods, and probiotics.

Do you want to learn how you can live a healthier life? Does natural living pique your interest? Check out my blog for more interesting articles.

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